Flash Floods – What to Expect and How to Prepare

Posted: July 28, 2023 3:11 pm

A flash flood is an unusual rise in water levels. The National Weather Service defines a flash flood as flooding occurring within three to six hours of heavy rains. Since rain can happen anywhere, flash floods can happen anywhere.

Flash flooding usually occurs during or after a severe weather event but can also happen in areas with poor drainage during average rains. They may also bring debris, and cause mudslides, and even cause dam breaches.

Flash flooding can happen in cities, suburbs, and the country, whether on city streets, the town square, or the rocky, one-lane gravel road into town.

The impervious surfaces in cities don’t allow the ground to absorb water, and drainage conditions will affect water flow severity toward the low lying areas. Soil type, topography, types and density of vegetation, and land use will affect flooding conditions and severity.

We often think of hurricanes and other severe weather events as the true danger to life and property, and they certainly may be. The floods that can follow are not usually part of the preparation process when a storm is imminent, but these floods can be every bit as dangerous as the weather events they folow.

If Flooding is Happening Now

• Stay away from rushing water and open sources of electricity.
• Find shelter. Move to higher ground if safely possible, or an upper floor.
• Stay out of rushing water. As little as six inches of moving water is enough to knock down an adult of average size. One foot of moving water is enough to sweep an automobile away. Do NOT try to drive through, swim, or cross through floodwaters.
• Do not cross bridges over rushing water.
• Evacuate if told to do so by authorized or rescue personnel.

When Flooding is a Future Concern

• Knowing in advance can make a life or death difference. Knowing whether you live in a flood zone is a good place to start. Planning may save lives and help sort out solutions later. You can find more information by visiting FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
• Find out if your community has an emergency management information system and sign up for it.
• Find out how to access the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio broadcast and the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
• If you live in or are moving into an area with known flooding issues, buy or renew your Flood Insurance. Policies may take 30 days or more to take effect, so don’t wait to obtain a policy.
• Make a plan of action that you can practice with your family. For emergencies like flooding, knowing what to take with you and having it accessible is a good idea. Knowing what you will need and having it ready will make emergency evacuation faster and safer for you, your family, and your pets.
• Keeping important documents safe during an emergency will make property recovery easier. Keep insurance policies and other important documents, other valuables, and firearms in a waterproof and fireproof lock-box or safe. If possible, make and store password-protected digital copies of important documents. If possible, keep valuables to upper floors, or move them to higher levels if you can.
• If you are thinking about your home’s drainage capability, consider keeping outside drains and gutters clear, and install or repair broken or poorly functioning backflow valves inside.

Safety During A Flood

• Evacuating is usually the safest move, especially if ordered to do so. Move in a safe direction, obeying any barricades put in place to divert traffic. The route you may want to take may be dangerous, and thus blocked off.
• Shelter in place if it is safe to do so.
• If you are hurt or need medical attention, call your healthcare provider or emergency services immediately. Situations may worsen quickly and unexpectedly.
• Listen for instruction from emergency services like NOAA and EAS.
• Do not attempt to drive, walk, or swim through moving flood water while trying to get to safety.
• Do not cross a bridge over fast moving or turbulent waters while trying to get to safety.
• Stay inside your car if you are in swiftly moving water. If water is entering the cabin of the vehicle, get to the roof of the care as safely as possible.
• If you are trapped inside a building, get to the highest level or floor possible. Do not move into enclosed attics to avoid being cut off from any possibility of exit. Avoid rooms where electrical outlets are wet or submerged, as they are an electrocution risk. Stay inside unless it is not possible to do so. Move to the roof only if you cannot signal for help while staying inside.

Safety After the Flood

• Listen to the authorities. Do not attempt to return home until authorities declare it safe to do so. Only drive into the area if necessary and it is safe to do so.
• Wear protective gear when cleaning up water damage. Sewage may be present and exposure can cause myriad illness and diseases. Mold may also be present and become airborne, causing lung irritation or infection later on. People with compromised immune systems or lung conditions should not enter any spaces until after they are cleaned and deemed safe by professionals.
• Be wary of rodents, snakes and other animals that may have entered or been relocated by the flood into your home.
• Electrocution is a high risk after a flood. Turn off the electricity to your dwelling if it is safe to do so. Call for assistance if you are unsure. Avoid any electrical equipment that is or has been submerged. Avoid any exposed wires. Do not stand in water when attempting to use something electrical. Don’t try to activate wet or submerged electrical or electronic equipment.
• Do not swim or wade though standing floor waters. Bacteria is likely present and can make you very ill. Additionally, there may be dangerous debris or wildlife present that you cannot see. Also, there may be downed power lines that are not visible which can electrify the water.
• Do not run generators or other power sources indoors. Keep them outdoors and situate them away from windows.

Flooding, especially flash flooding, can be scary, especially when it happens during some other circumstance, like a severe weather event. The most important thing anyone can do to prepare for flooding is to stay calm and steady. Panic makes any situation worse, and flooding, especially flash flooding, is not a time to add difficulty to the situation.

When there is any doubt about safety during any flooding, remember these four simple words: ”Turn around, don’t drown!”

Remember, flash flooding can happen without warning and become serious very quickly. By planning ahead, remembering these common sense tips, and maintaining calm, you give yourself and your family a greater chance of staying safe if flash floods happen in your area.

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